Papua New Guinea is delaying implementing its decision to end the visas-on-arrival system for Australian citizens until March.

Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato says PNG's missions in Australia need more time to prepare for an increase in visa applications.

He says the changes will mainly affect the business community and won't apply to holidaymakers.

"Tourists will be given visas on arrival," he told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat.

"Those who are arriving in PNG on cruise ships, flying, or coming on boats to the different ports in PNG - tourists are exempt from this restriction."

Australians have traditionally been able to apply for a 60-day visa on arrival.

The PNG Government has requested reciprocal arrangements for Papua New Guineans travelling to Australia.

Mr Pato says Papua New Guineans should have "some flexibility in travelling to Australia."

"There's so many of our people with interests in Australia in terms of family, in terms of business, in terms of friendships so it is important that this issue needs to be looked at," he said.

"It's a very strong feeling in the cabinet... other countries are giving visas on arrival to Papua New Guinea which includes Israel, Singapore, Japan and now more than likely Indonesia - why shouldn't Australia, who have [sic] a long-term, long-lasting relationship with this country and its people."